SLICK TRICK TORCH: Broadhead Test

This is a test of the 100 gr Slick Trick Torch Mechanical broadhead.

Here is summary of my 2022 Testing Procedure & Scoring w/ the scores of the Torch posted in parentheses as well.

Total Torch Score: 87.40 = 9 Golden Arrows

1. Flight Forgiveness (20%, 20 pts)
This is not just a test of how heads fly out of my bow, as it was in the past. With a well tuned bow, properly built arrows & good form, almost every head flies well. That's why in the past most heads got a flight score of 9 or 10. But that doesn't help those who may not have perfectly tuned bows/arrows/good form. So now I am gauging Flight Forgiveness. This is based on how the head flies for me, how well it spins, how "sensitive" the flight is to imperfections, & the exposed surface area of the blades. The max score of a Mech is 10 (20 on 20 pt scale) & the max score of a Fixed is 8 (16 on 20 pt scale).

2. Cut Size (20%, 19 pts)
The more tissue being cut, the more lethal the head, all else equal. The entrance cut, total cut, & width of the cut (a crucial variable for bloodletting) are all scored:
The entrance cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5" then that fraction is weighted to 7% of the score. (2”+.32”/2.5 X7 = 6.5 pts)
The max cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5" as well, then that fraction is is weighted to 7% of the score. (2.32”/2.5 X7 = 6.5 pts)
The max cutting diameter is compared to a standard of 2.0", then that fraction is weighted to 6% of the score. (2/2 x 6 = 6 pts)

3. Blades (20%, 18.05 pts)
Initial sharpness (9%, 200 grams=10/10=9 pts ) & Edge Retention (9%, +75 grams=8.5/10=7.65 pts) are measured using the Edge On Up Sharpness Tester. The pressure needed for a blade to cut thru a copolymer wire is measured in grams.
Edge Retention is the loss of sharpness after the head is shot in Penetration Test 1, thru 1/2" MDF and 2/3" rubber foam mat & Clear Ballistics FBI gel. For every 50 "grams" of sharpness lost, 1 point is deducted from 10.

What are some sharpness scores for common edges?
A butter knife takes 2000 grams of pressure to break the co polymer wire.
A new high end cutlery edge: ~ 375 grams of pressure.
A utility razor blade: 200 grams.
Based on the many broadheads I have tested, here is my scoring scale:
Out of the Box Sharpness:
0-200 gr: 10
201-300 gr 9
301-400 gr: 8
401-500 gr: 7
501-600 gr: 6
601-700 gr: 5
701-800 gr: 4
801-900 gr: 3
901-1000 gr: 2
1001-1100 gr: 1
1101+ gr: 0
Ease to resharpen or replace blades is judged & given 2% of the score. (7/10=1.4 pts)

4. Penetration (20%, 15.85 pts)
There are 3 penetration tests:
Pen Test 1: 1/2" MDF, 2/3" rubber foam mat, Clear Ballistics FBI gel. Depth of penetration is compared to a standard of 9" & weighted to 9% of the score. (6.75" = 6.75 pts, but 1 pt will be deducted as the blades did not stay open in the gel).
Pen Test 2: Layered cardboard. # of layers penetrated is compared to a standard of 70 layers & weighted to 9% of the score.
(55 layers=7.1 pts)
Angled Penetration Test: How effectively does the head penetrate 1/4" MDF covered by carpet at a 45 degree angle. This accounts for 2% of the score. (2/2pts)

5. Durability (20%, 14.5 pts)
Each head is shot thru 1/2" MDF 3 times. Its condition is judged 1-10 after each shot & weighted to 12% of the score. (12/12 pts)
If a head survives that, it is then shot thru 22 ga steel plate twice. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 5% of the score. (5/10=2.5 pts)
If a head survives that, it is then shot into concrete once. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 3% of the score. (0/10=0 pts)
Steel plate & concrete are certainly not "realistic" mediums, but they do reveal the outer limits of a head's durability.

BONUS: Heads will be rewarded bonus points for special, intangible features such as: rotation, no O rings/clips for mechs, extra thickness, hole size, other unique designs, etc.
+1 no O rings
+1 locking blades
-1 blades didn’t lock in test mediums
-1 blades closed in gel
Total Bonus = 0

Price: $16.66/head

TOTAL Torch Score: 87.4= 9 Golden Arrows

Grading Scale:
90-100 10 Golden Arrows
85-90 9
80-85 8
70-80 7
60-70 6

Special Notes:
Please check out my sponsor, Stay Sharp Guide. https://staysharpguide.com or @Innovative Outdoorsman They make excellent broadhead sharpeners. The support I receive from them has helped me improve my channel

I also have some Broadhead Discount Codes I can share:

VECTOR CUSTOM SHOP: LUSK gives Free Shipping

Crimson Talon: LUSK15 saves 15%

SEVR: LUSKFIVE saves you $5 on any order & can be used on top of any online sales.

AFFLICTOR: LUSK10 saves 10%

Tooth of the Arrow: LUSK19 saves 15%

DEAD X BOWHUNTING Big Game Broadheads: LUSKFIVE saves $5 per pack.

ZEUS & HERA Broadheads (New Era Archery): LUSKFIVE saves $5/pack